Hi! So, I have heard having two female dogs is not the ideal situation but there are exceptions. I have a few friends who have two spayed females and they get along just fine.

I have a 10 year old spayed female Chihuahua mix (Chiquita) and we just brought home a 1 1/2 year old (same mix type - Chi/Doxie) named Jezebel. Chiquita (15 pounds) only likes dogs smaller than her. Jezebel is smaller than her (about 10 pounds) and submissive. Jezebel is only 1 1/2 but she has already had two litters (sad, I know) before I got her and I was told that "matures" dogs a bit. Jezebel was just spayed two weeks ago.

One of the reasons we brought Jezebel home from the shelter (besides the fact she needed a home BADLY) is Chiquita appeared to like her, be interested in her and not have problems with her, something that is rare for Chiquita. We brought J home yesterday and I understand the period of adjustment, which is why I may be jumping the gun but I am just worried.

I have given both dogs appropriate attention both separate and together. We introduced them a few times outside our home. Chiquita has shown a little bit of aggression, but nothing scary (a little bit of staring and hair standing up on her back but no biting or attacking). That was shown awhile after Jezebel came home. Other than that, they have been fine. Chiquita isn't too fond of Jezebel sleeping in bed with us but she doesn't attack her, just stares and growls a little. Letting her know who is boss?

I am not sure how long I should wait or what other steps I need to take before I leave them alone together. I am assuming I need to play it by ear and wait until ALL aggression is gone. Is that an unrealistic goal with two females?

When I leave, I plan on crating Jezebel in our bedroom with the door closed, leaving Chiquita to roam the rest of the house. I take them outside a lot (we live in Alpine) and they get walks and rides in the car.

I did my research and so many people told me that Chiquita would get over it and not to worry. Then I go onto the Internet and I read things about how two spayed females is a bad idea. Help!

If anyone has any experience on this subject or ideas, I would greatly appreciate them!

Two spayed females can and often do live together peacefully. It is more common that females are aggressive with other females especially when unspayed. Like any new addition, I'd just watch them for 2 weeks or so together to make sure, but the first couple days are generally when problems show themselves. Because Jezebel is smaller and submissive, it sounds that they will be fine. They will have to assure dominace, so a little growling or posturing is normal, do no worry unless one snaps/bites the other. When giving treats/food or attention, give it to Chiquita first as she is the dominant dog, then to Jezebel. If you give the treat to the other first, Chiquita will feel the need to assert her dominance over Jezebel possibly with more aggression. Just watch for the first few days especially, but 2 weeks just to be sure (probably a week, but I always follow the 2 week rule just to be absolutely sure!) It sounds as though you have found a dog that chiquita will get along with, so kudos for you!

He's your friend,your partner,your defender,your dog.You're his life,his love,his leader. He will be faithful and true to the last beat of his heart.You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion

No, absolutely no mistake. Sounds like they are already doing well together. In fact, it sounds like you did everything right...finding out what kinds of dogs she does best with, introducing them in neutral territory, giving them separate attention, keeping them apart while you leave, etc. Again, kudos to you and thanks for adopting 2 rescues who need homes!

He's your friend,your partner,your defender,your dog.You're his life,his love,his leader. He will be faithful and true to the last beat of his heart.You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion